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NEWS STORY : London Protest in Support of Palestine Action Sees Hundreds Arrested as Police Commended for Professional Response

NEWS STORY

In one of the most substantial and politically charged law enforcement operations in recent memory, London’s Metropolitan Police arrested over 500 demonstrators during a protest in Parliament Square supporting the recently proscribed group, Palestine Action. Despite the emotionally charged atmosphere, the police response has been widely praised for its professionalism and restraint.

Reports confirm that as many as 532 arrests were made, many of them for displaying support for the banned organisation, now illegal under anti‑terror laws enacted just last month. Protesters marched defiantly, brandishing placards reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”, and banging pot lids in clear defiance of the prohibition. Police had issued prior warnings that anyone publicly supporting a proscribed group could face arrest. Notably, nearly half of those arrested were aged 60 or older, with the sight of elderly individuals being led away prompted widespread debate on the appropriateness of policing tactics in such contexts.

Despite the contentious backdrop, police officers maintained a calm and professional bearing throughout. Even when faced with pot-banging and chants, there was no indication of heavy-handed force or reactionary use of excessive force despite the many arrests. Outside observers have underscored a troubling tension with the Government’s invocation of anti-terror legislation to suppress support for a group that, until recently, had been openly campaigning for its cause.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said in a statement:

“Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear – this is not a non-violent organisation.”

August 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : British steelmakers regain access to EU market [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 August 2025.

British steelmakers regain access to EU market.
- UK steel producers to regain tariff-free access to the EU market for key steel products from today [1 August].
- Cuts costs and gives UK steel producers more certainty when exporting to the EU — one of our largest trading partners.
- Delivers on a UK-EU Summit commitment and reinforces the Government’s Plan for Change to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength.
British steelmakers stand to make millions extra a year as the EU gets rid of its steel tariffs today [Friday 1 August] – a direct win from the Prime Minister’s EU deal signed back in May.

This means UK steelmakers will be able to export more steel used for large building projects – like support beams – to the EU tariff-free, supporting the UK’s wider economic growth ambitions and helping deliver on the Plan for Change.

This follows the decision to take control of British Steel following years of mismanagement – a decision which saved thousands of jobs and secured Britain’s place as a steelmaker. This builds on the significant support that this pro-steel Government has already delivered — from our £500 million investment in Tata’s green steel transition and our deal with the US to reduce tariffs on UK steel.

The UK steel sector supports around 40,000 jobs across 1,145 firms, with a further 61,000 jobs in related industries that supply materials and services to steel producers. These changes will enable UK steelmakers to once again export goods worth several millions of pounds annually to the EU, strengthening vital revenue streams for UK businesses.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds said:

This is yet another positive step forward for the UK steel sector and a clear example of our Plan for Change in action — removing barriers, supporting jobs, and backing British industry.

Restoring our steel quota helps give producers the certainty they need to compete, grow, and maintain vital export relationships.

This builds on the significant support that this pro-steel Government has already delivered — from our £500 million investment in Tata’s green steel transition, to action to safeguard jobs at British Steel in Scunthorpe, and our deal with the US to reduce tariffs on UK steel.

The restored quota will re-establish historic trade flows between the UK and the EU, easing the administrative and financial burdens that have affected steel exporters. It will also provide much-needed certainty for UK steel operating in an increasingly volatile global market. Crucially, this change will help safeguard skilled jobs across the country and preserve long-standing supply chains with EU customers.

The country-specific quota allows the UK to export a certain amount of steel to the EU without paying an extra tariff, helping maintain fair trade and avoid sudden surges in imports. We can now export up to 27,000 tonnes of steel to the EU each quarter — that’s roughly a football stadium’s worth of steel every year.

This follows complex negotiations and demonstrates the UK Government’s ability to secure practical wins for domestic industry. It builds on a series of recent measures delivered under the Plan for Change, including a £500 million investment in greener steelmaking at Port Talbot, targeted action to reduce electricity costs and strengthen procurement rules. These steps have been complemented by enhanced trade defences designed to protect jobs and support long-term competitiveness in the sector.

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said:

We have worked constructively with the EU to deliver in our national interest and achieved a bespoke agreement to help secure jobs in steel across Britain.

Today’s news that the EU is slashing tariffs on British Steel shows our approach is working and is another win for UK PLC.

Gareth Stace UK Steel said:

The restoration of the country specific quota is excellent news for UK steel companies which have been plagued by problems shipping category 17 products into the European Union.

The quota will restore historic trade flows and is good news for both UK steelmakers and their EU customers.

British Steel Chief Commercial Officer (interim) Lisa Coulson said:

The removal of EU tariffs on British-made steel is a significant boost to our business.

The EU is an important market to us, particularly for the products our highly skilled colleagues manufacture in Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove.

We are delighted we will be able to provide the high-quality products our loyal and supportive EU customers require tariff-free and thank the UK Government for delivering this agreement.

We now look to the future with even greater optimism as we focus on building stronger futures for our customers.

This announcement reinforces the Government’s commitment to fair, open, and stable trade in key sectors — with steel being a clear example of strengthened UK-EU cooperation delivering results for British industry.

Notes to editors:
- The European Commission’s decision restores the UK’s Country Specific Quota (CSQ) for Category 17 steel products from 1 August 2025.
- The UK steel industry employs thousands of people in key manufacturing regions and supports critical supply chains in construction, automotive, and defence.
- The UK Government will publish a comprehensive Steel Strategy later this year to support long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.
August 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK outshines global competitors as Arbitration Act comes into effect [August 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 1 August 2025.

Businesses will benefit from faster and cheaper dispute resolution as major reforms to arbitration law come into effect today.
- New law comes into force today to strengthen UK’s world-leading status in arbitration
- Businesses can now settle disputes faster and at less cost
- Part of Government’s Plan for Change to drive new business straight into £42.6 billion legal sector
The modernisation of the Arbitration Act is set to boost the UK economy by millions while creating new employment opportunities within the legal sector.

The new law will reinforce Britain’s position as the world’s number one destination for arbitration – building on London’s status as the globally preferred location for these services over competitors like Singapore, Hong Kong and Paris.

This will attract further investment to the UK’s £42.6 billion legal services economy and create highly-skilled jobs, supporting the sector’s existing 384,000 workforce.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC MP, said:

Businesses around the world already look to the UK as the gold standard in arbitration, and this new law cements our place as the global jurisdiction of choice – competing globally and keeping British companies on top.

As part of our Plan for Change, we will continue to drive new business straight into the UK to boost jobs and support economic growth.

As the largest legal services market in Europe, international arbitration represents a major growth sector for the UK economy. England and Wales handle at least 5,000 domestic and international arbitrations annually, contributing £2.5 billion in fees alone.

From today, arbitrators have the power to dismiss weak cases quickly, preventing businesses from wasting time and money on disputes with no chance of success.

The reforms also require arbitrators to declare any potential conflicts of interest upfront, ensuring fairer outcomes for businesses.

Courts have gained new powers to better support the arbitration process, while simplified procedures will cut delays and costs for all parties involved.

The Arbitration Act received Royal Assent in February and has now been fully implemented.

Cristen Bauer, Director of External Affairs, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

As the leading professional body globally for dispute resolvers, we are delighted to see the Arbitration Act 2025 come into force. We commend the Government’s commitment to modernise the Arbitration Act and to engage in a collaborative reform process with stakeholders from across the dispute resolution ecosystem.

Ciarb is proud to have contributed to this important reform and stands ready to support the global arbitration community in harnessing the full potential of this new framework. This milestone not only strengthens arbitration in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but also reinforces global efforts to uphold high standards of fairness, efficiency, and integrity across the profession.
August 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 4.2% pay rise for police officers across England and Wales [July 2025]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 August 2025.

Government confirms 4.2% pay increase for all police ranks up to chief superintendents. Pay boost will be backed by £120 million funding from the Home Office.

Police officers across England and Wales are set to receive an above-inflation 4.2% pay rise, the government has announced.

The increase, which applies to all ranks up to and including chief superintendents, forms part of a wider effort to support frontline policing and public protection – one of the key missions of the government’s Plan for Change.

The pay increase will mean the starting salary for a police constable will be £31,163, an increase of £1,256. The typical salary for a constable who has been in post 6 years will be £50,257 and the average earning for a chief superintendent will be £98,500. In addition to the headline pay rise, the government is also increasing on-call, away from home, and hardship allowances by £10.

The pay boost reflects the bravery, professionalism and tireless dedication of officers who protect the public, and will be supported by £120 million from the Home Office to help protect police force budgets.

London weighting will be boosted by 4.2%, reflecting the demands placed on officers in the capital.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Our brave police officers work day and night, often making enormous sacrifices, to keep us safe. This government is proud to back them in doing so and today’s pay award is a clear signal of our gratitude, and our determination, to ensure they are properly rewarded for their service.

Policing is the bedrock of a secure Britain and our Plan for Change. We are committed to investing in the frontline and supporting officers who work every day to tackle crime, keep our streets safe and protect our communities.

The pay rise underscores the Home Secretary’s commitment to investing in the frontline and supporting officers, and delivering the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. A key part of the government’s Plan for Change, this will keep our streets safe and restore public confidence through visible, community-focused policing.

Measures in the guarantee include:
- restoring neighbourhood policing to cut crime in our communities and keep our streets safe
- named, contactable officers for every neighbourhood
- guaranteed police patrols in busy areas at peak times, such as town centres
- new career pathways and standards from the College of Policing
Making good on this commitment, the government has already provided funding of up to £1.2 billion to police forces this year, including £200 million to put an additional 3,000 neighbourhood officers by next spring.
August 9, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce [August 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 August 2025.

Communities hit hardest by knife crime see a drop in offences and more weapons removed from the streets.

The number of robberies involving a knife – or the threat of one – have dropped after months of targeted police action in seven highest risk areas, according to new data published by government today.

After seeing a stark rise in knife-enabled robbery in the year to June 2024, driven by a 14% increase across seven police forces, the Home Secretary set up a dedicated police taskforce last October and after just nine months of activity, there has been a 6% overall reduction compared with the previous year across those highest risk areas – with places like the West Midlands seeing a substantial annual drop of 25%.

The reduction has been driven by intense police efforts and a range of tactics, including upping visible patrols, using drones, knife arches and detection dogs to support police on the ground, and deploying plain clothes officers.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper:

Since day one we have acted with urgency to turn the tide on knife crime, which destroys lives and devastates communities.

When we came to office, knife-enabled robbery was increasing at a concerning rate, but we have now started to drive numbers of those offences down through the work of our dedicated taskforces, and as a result, we have also seen the first small reduction in overall knife crime for four years.

The drop in knife enabled robbery in key problem areas shows the impact that our strong new action on knife crime is having, but we now need to supercharge these efforts through more smart and targeted interventions. Anyone can be a victim of knife crime, but new ‘hex mapping’ technology shows that the vast majority of knife crime is concentrated in a relatively small, hyper concentrated number of areas.

As part of the Plan for Change, we will use that new technology to support our mission to halve knife crime over the next decade. In the 2020s, the way to be ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’ is also to be smart on crime, using the latest technology to target criminals and problem areas, and keep the country safe.

The announcement comes as a ban on ninja swords come into force today – the first part of the government’s manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law, and latest step under the pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade.

Ahead of the ban, at least a thousand deadly weapons have been handed in following the country’s largest weapons surrender scheme.

Launched in June, the Home Office developed this scheme with members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to provide a broader range of ways the public could surrender weapons outside of police stations. This saw Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, driving a custom built and fully secure surrender van, across London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and Words4Weapons supplying 37 new surrender bins, all funded by the Home Office. The surrender van will also be deployed at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.

Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said:

Ronan was just 16 years old when his life was stolen by a 22-inch ninja sword that should never have been so easy to buy. Ronan’s Law is not only a step towards justice for my son, but for every parent who wants to see their child come home safely.

This law is about saving lives, closing dangerous loopholes, and holding those responsible to account.

The government’s knife surrender scheme has been a sign of commitment to tackling the scourge of knife crime. While there is still much more to do, these are significant steps in the right direction.

Sandra Campbell, CEO of Word 4 Weapons said:

For over 16 years, Word 4 Weapons has played a leading role in the UK’s national weapon surrender schemes, enabling thousands of knives and dangerous items to be taken off the streets through our network of secure and accessible surrender bins.

These initiatives are designed to help save lives, raise awareness, and give communities a practical way to reduce harm.

We therefore welcome the government’s decision to ban dangerous weapons like ninja swords, a move that reinforces the importance of community-led approaches to tackling knife and weapon-related violence. We remain committed to supporting this work and expanding our efforts to build safer public spaces for all.

Ronan’s Law will also see the government bring in the toughest measures to date to tackle the sale of weapons online – requiring retailers to report bulk or suspicious knife orders to the police; put in place more stringent age verification checks and impose significant fines on tech executives whose platforms fail to prevent illegal sales.

As part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade the Home Office is also delivering a pilot using sophisticated new mapping technologies to target hyper concentrated knife crime hotspots, backed by up to £5 million this year.

This funding will be targeted towards 50 of the top 100 hyper local knife crime hotspots to trial targeted intervention tactics and prevent further offending. This could include using more facial recognition and advanced knife detection technology, or the use of police drones to support the increased presence of police officers in our communities – part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

These activities are taking place against the backdrop of the summer long Safer Streets Initiative launched by the Home Secretary to tackle town centre crime, which is delivering a smarter, more visible police and community operation across the country.

August 9, 2025
NEWS STORY : Expelled Reform MP Rupert Lowe Mistakes Charity Rowers for Migrants off Great Yarmouth

STORY

Expelled Reform MP Rupert Lowe has been criticised after mistakenly reporting a team of charity rowers as suspected migrants approaching the Norfolk coast. Lowe posted a photo online of a vessel near wind turbines off Great Yarmouth on Thursday evening, warning of “dinghies coming into Great Yarmouth, RIGHT NOW” and vowing to “use every tool at my disposal to ensure these individuals are deported”.

In reality, the boat belonged to ROW4MND, a four-man crew rowing from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for motor neurone disease research. The team, which included former Royal Marine Mike Bates, said they were surprised to be mistaken for migrants, particularly given the size of their ocean-going vessel and the fact Great Yarmouth is not the most direct route from Calais.

Lowe contacted the coastguard over his concerns. After being informed of the mix-up, he pledged £1,000 to the charity, saying he wanted to support their cause despite the misunderstanding.

Critics have accused the former MP of overreacting and failing to verify basic details before making public accusations. One campaigner noted that charity crews in clearly marked rowing boats are “not generally a covert means of illegal entry”.

The rowers have since continued their journey, having raised more than £100,000 for research. For Rupert Lowe, the incident is the latest in a series of controversies since leaving Reform UK.

August 9, 2025
NEWS STORY : Disgraced Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali Resigns Amid Rent-Hike Controversy

NEWS STORY

In a dramatic and widely criticised move, Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali resigned today after revelations that she evicted tenants from her East London property, allegedly to sell it, only to promptly relist the home for rent at a £700 (21%) higher price. This episode has drawn fierce condemnation for its apparent hypocrisy, especially given Ali’s prior stance in support of tenant protections.

Ali has claimed she fully adhered to legal requirements, signalling in her resignation letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer that remaining in her ministerial role risks distracting from the government’s housing agenda. Her departure is seen as a severe blow to Labour’s credibility, coming at a sensitive time with the Renters’ Rights Bill nearing its final stages in Parliament, a law set to ban landlords from evicting tenants only to immediately hike rents. Critics argue that her personal conduct directly undermines the policy she oversaw and has challenged the integrity of MPs, with calls for her to leave the House of Commons.

Opposition voices were quick to condemn Ali, with Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of the Conservative Party, calling the move “staggering hypocrisy”, pointing out that Ali’s actions were “one rule for Labour and another for everyone else.” Housing advocates were equally scathing, Shelter’s policy director dismissed the saga as “a damning reminder that the cards are fundamentally stacked against renters.”

The MP’s conduct is yet another setback for Prime Minister Starmer’s Government, which has already seen multiple ministerial resignations in just over a year. With public trust undermined and the government trailing in the polls, Ali’s resignation raises fresh questions about the party’s moral authority and integrity.

August 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : G20 Development Meeting – Baroness Chapman’s speech [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 July 2025.

Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, gave a speech on the UK’s new approach to development at the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in South Africa.

Congratulations to the Presidency on hosting the first G20 in Africa.

It has taken 20 years to meet in Africa. There is no world in which this should have taken so long. From the UK’s perspective, we should not wait another 20 years to do this again.

This is at the core of what I want to use my intervention to say. That we in the UK believe we have to do development differently now.

We cannot start from the idea that ‘we know best’. We must not just pay lip service to what our partners tell us. When we say partnership and not paternalism – we have to mean it.

The solutions of 2005 are not the solutions of 2025. And with environmental shocks, health crises, and more conflicts than at any time since the middle of the last century, all hitting the poorest hardest, we have to face up to reality.

This is the only way to rise to the global challenge that Mandela gave us – to Make Poverty History.

There are three specific ways in which we are transforming the UK’s approach.

One – we are listening. Our new approach is already informing our new strategy. But there is a long way to go.

New leadership from across the globe is changing what is possible, again. Powerful voices like President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina. The new Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey. Nigerian Health Minister, Muhammad Ali Pate.

These are just a few of the 47 African governments and multilateral bodies, and over 200 businesses and communities that the UK has consulted – following our Foreign Secretary’s visit to Cape Town last year.

Two – we are thinking like investors, not donors, and bringing all the UK’s strengths to the table.

In partnership, we can share everything from world-class health and tech know-how, to new ways of getting finance flowing into emerging and developing markets – from the world’s green finance hub in London.

I saw some of this yesterday at an agri-business in this region, with British International Investment helping to create 400 local jobs. Critical for the economy and for supporting South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership.

We’re making headway on getting money in place before disasters hit, and unlocking private capital – as we discussed together in Seville, at FFD4 two weeks ago.

The private sector is vital – which is why we matched private funding for Gavi, so we can get new ideas and fresh thinking into how we keep our populations healthy.

And third – this is all part of our shared mission for economic growth and opportunity. That is how we get countries on a journey out of development and aid – and help millions more people out of poverty.

So, I want to thank the Presidency for choosing themes that go to the heart of how we can work together.

On illicit finance – my friend the Foreign Secretary is leading the UK’s efforts to tackle this shared challenge, and he will host a global conference.

There is more though for us all to do – to give people confidence that they can trust governments to use their money well, and combat criminals laundering money through the world’s financial centres.

And on social protection – together, we are developing systems every government needs, to reach the most vulnerable people facing hunger and poverty.

That includes the work my colleague Lord Collins is co-leading, alongside Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister – to make sure this can be felt in the most fragile places on earth.

Finally, these auspicious occasions, as I am sure you all know, can happen with such frequency that we show up and we repeat positions we have been stuck on for years. But instead, I want to use every occasion we come together as an opportunity to leave ‘business as usual’ behind – and push for the change we all know is needed.

So we are going to work together, harder – to secure reform at the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

To improve and expand the G20’s approach to debt, ahead of the leaders summit.

To back Brazil’s work to make the next climate summit count.

And to champion ambition and innovation at the African Development Bank – as well as the replenishment of the Global Fund, that we are proud to co-host alongside South Africa.

This is how we remake development for the next 20 years. Making sure we don’t wait decades to meet in Africa again.

Starting with the idea that we need to learn from one another – and drop the old idea that ‘we know best’.

And facing up to reality. So we listen to our partners. Think like investors. And bringing all our strengths to bear, in pursuit of the economic growth and opportunity that we need – to help millions more people put poverty behind them.

Thank you.

August 1, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointments to the Board of Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew [July 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 July 2025.

Three new appointments and two reappointments made.

Dame Dervilla Mitchell, Dr Fiona Pathiraja and Sarah Greasley have been appointed as Trustees. Dervilla and Fiona’s four-year terms commenced on 1 July 2025. Sarah’s four-year term will commence on 1 October 2025.

Steve Almond and Kate Priestman have been reappointed as Trustees for a second term of four years from 2 October 2025 to 1 October 2029.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

Biographies

Dame Dervilla Mitchell

Dervilla is an experience engineering leader who has been involved in significant infrastructure programmes at Heathrow, Dublin and Abu Dhabi airports. She has also led the design of a range of new build and renovation projects in different sectors. She spent the majority of her career at Arup, a trust-owned organisation, latterly serving as Global Deputy Chair and Ethics Director.

She became involved in the decarbonisation agenda whilst a member of the Council for Science and Technology and subsequently took on the role of Chair of the National Engineering Policy Centre’s decarbonisation working group. Her non-executive experience has been gained through Trustee roles as Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and serving as a school governor at three different girls’ schools in London.

She was awarded a DBE for Services to Engineering in 2024, having previously received a CBE in 2014. She has received Honorary Doctorates from University College Dublin, as well as Imperial College London, where she now sits on the Industry Advisory Board for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Dr Fiona Pathiraja

Fiona is an investor and philanthropist. She is Managing Partner of Crista Galli Ventures, a pan-European healthtech venture capital firm. She serves on several boards and is currently a trustee of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Arts. Fiona leads philanthropic endeavours at IPQ Capital, her Family Office, and is vice-chair of London Business School’s fundraising board.

A former NHS consultant radiologist at University College London Hospital, Fiona has held a range of strategic and leadership roles across healthcare, including Clinical Advisor to the Department of Health and Social Care. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists, a Member of the Faculty of Public Health, and holds Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health degrees. Fiona is an advocate for greater diversity in technology and investment.

Sarah Greasley

Sarah is an accomplished technology leader with more than 40 years’ expertise working in both the technology and financial services industries. She was Solutions Architecture Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Amazon Web Services, and prior to that, she was Group Chief Technology Officer at Direct Line Group and a Distinguished Engineer at IBM. She has a broad range of leadership experience across new technologies, strategy, risk and resilience. She also has a strong focus on increasing diversity, equity and inclusion.

She has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge and is a Chartered Fellow of the British Computing Society, as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Sarah is a Trustee of the British Exploring Society and a Governor at Charterhouse School.

Steve Almond

After obtaining a BA in History at Royal Holloway College, University of London, Steve trained as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte and spent much of his career there as an Audit Partner specialising in the financial services industry. He worked in a variety of roles for 16 years on the Deloitte UK Executive and, concurrently, eight years on the Global Executive. He has a wealth of experience advising large company boards and audit committees and served for 10 years on the board of Deloitte UK. In 2011, he was elected Chairman of Deloitte’s Global Board. In that capacity, he represented Deloitte on various external bodies, including the Accounting for Sustainability Advisory Board; International Integrated Reporting Council; Social Progress Index Advisory Board; and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Kate Priestman

Kate has worked in the biopharma industry for over 25 years and is currently Chief Corporate and External Affairs Officer at CSL. Before joining CSL, Kate served as Senior Vice-President of R&D Strategy and Portfolio at GlaxoSmithKline, focused on the development of transformational medicines and vaccines. Kate also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC. Kate’s career has spanned roles in commercial, corporate governance, communications and government affairs, following an early career at the BBC as a presenter and documentary maker. In her spare time, Kate is an artist and creator of a popular design blog; her work inspired an installation in the Chicago Botanic Garden in 2016 and is used in schools as part of the creative arts curriculum.

August 1, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Accused of ‘Social Engineering’ Over Civil Service Internship Reform

STORY

The Government is facing mounting criticism over its decision to restrict civil service internships exclusively to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, a move that ministers say is designed to create a more representative Whitehall but which opponents argue amounts to discrimination by background. Under new rules set to be introduced from 2026, the main internship scheme for university students will be limited to those whose parents held certain types of jobs when they were 14. Ministers say this will help diversify the civil service and open up opportunities for young people who might otherwise be overlooked.

The scheme, which pays £430 a week and provides up to eight weeks of experience inside government departments, will now explicitly exclude students from middle and upper-income households regardless of their academic credentials or suitability for the role.

Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood (in photo) slammed the move as “leftist social engineering”, warning it sends the message that unless a young person comes from the ‘right’ background, they need not apply. “No young person should be told they’re not welcome based solely on their parents’ profession,” Wood said. “We believe in opportunity based on what you can do, not where you come from.”

The change has been led by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, who defended the move, saying the civil service must reflect the country it serves. “Government makes better decisions when it represents and understands the people we serve” he said. But critics argue the new system risks replacing one kind of unfairness with another and suggested that rather than broadening access based on merit the reform introduces a rigid social filter, effectively barring thousands of students on the basis of their family background and damaging community cohesion.

August 1, 2025